Our Melbourne Cup 2026 preview starts with the clock. The race that stops a nation goes off at 11:00pm ET tonight, Monday, November 2. Over in Australia, that is 3:00pm on Tuesday at Flemington, where 24 stayers chase a purse of A$10 million, about US$7 million.
So we have covered all ten races on the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day card. For each one, you get the runners, barriers, jockeys, trainers, morning line prices and our tip. Ciaron Maher saddles seven of the 24 Cup runners, while Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien brings five. Meanwhile, a colt that King Charles III bred and raced now heads the market.
Melbourne Cup Day 2026 Race Times and Card
Flemington runs ten races on Cup Day, and the first jumps at 6:45pm ET on Monday. The last goes at 1:15am ET on Tuesday, so night owls get the whole card. At acceptances, the track rated a Good 4. Showers sit in the forecast, though, so check the rating before you bet.
| Race | Race Name | Grade | Distance | Flemington (AEDT) | US Eastern (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darley Maribyrnong Plate | Group 3 | 1000m (about 5f) | 10:45am | 6:45pm Mon |
| 2 | Pin & Win Community Handicap | BM80 | 2000m (about 10f) | 11:20am | 7:20pm Mon |
| 3 | TAB One Pool Trophy | Listed | 1800m (about 9f) | 12:00pm | 8:00pm Mon |
| 4 | The Schweppervescence Plate | 3yo Handicap | 1000m (about 5f) | 12:40pm | 8:40pm Mon |
| 5 | Australian Heritage Cup | BM96 | 2800m (about 14f) | 1:20pm | 9:20pm Mon |
| 6 | Asahi Super Dry Plate | Listed | 1800m (about 9f) | 1:55pm | 9:55pm Mon |
| 7 | Lexus Melbourne Cup | Group 1 | 3200m (about 2 miles) | 3:00pm | 11:00pm Mon |
| 8 | Crown Amanda Elliott | Listed | 1400m (about 7f) | 3:50pm | 11:50pm Mon |
| 9 | Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes | Group 3 | 1400m (about 7f) | 4:35pm | 12:35am Tue |
| 10 | Channel 9 Trophy | BM90 | 1400m (about 7f) | 5:15pm | 1:15am Tue |
Times shown in ET fall on Monday, November 2, unless marked Tue. Flemington post times can change on the day.
Melbourne Cup 2026 Preview: Field and Morning Line
The Melbourne Cup is a Group 1 handicap over 3200 meters, just under two miles. Since it is a handicap, weights run from 57.5kg (127 lb) on Sons And Lovers down to 51kg (112 lb) on Shockletz. There was also one late change. Stewards withdrew Defiantly after a failed vet inspection on Saturday, so Kizlyar gets a start for O’Brien.
The A$10 million purse comes from the Victoria Racing Club, which raised Cup prize money to A$10 million last year. That works out at about US$7 million at today’s exchange rate.
Full Field With Barriers and Weights
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Weight (kg) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sons And Lovers (3) | 57.5 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Joseph O'Brien | 19/1 |
| 2 | Trustyourinstinct (18) | 57 | James McDonald | Joseph O'Brien | 13/2 |
| 3 | Knight's Choice (2) | 56.5 | Robbie Dolan | John Symons & Sheila Laxon | 40/1 |
| 4 | Middle Earth (1) | 56.5 | Mark Zahra | Ciaron Maher | 14/1 |
| 5 | Vauban (22) | 56.5 | Jordan Childs | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 50/1 |
| 6 | Enfjaar (8) | 56 | Ray Dawson | Roger Varian | 22/1 |
| 7 | Royal Supremacy (21) | 56 | Ben Allen | Ciaron Maher | 50/1 |
| 8 | Wine Dark Sea (23) | 56 | Damian Lane | Harry Charlton | 34/1 |
| 9 | Asterix (6) | 55 | Jye McNeil | Chris Waller | 60/1 |
| 10 | Goodie Two Shoes (19) | 55 | Wayne Lordan | Joseph O'Brien | 25/1 |
| 11 | Juja Kibo (14) | 55 | Sam Clipperton | Ciaron Maher | 10/1 |
| 12 | Hopewell Rock (15) | 54.5 | Zac Lloyd | George Boughey | 10/1 |
| 13 | Onesmoothoperator (13) | 54.5 | Declan Bates | Tim Fitzsimmons | 66/1 |
| 14 | Soul Of Spain (5) | 54.5 | Tommy Berry | Chris Waller | 30/1 |
| 15 | Zahrann (11) | 54.5 | Ben Melham | Ciaron Maher | 30/1 |
| 16 | So You Are (7) | 54 | Rachel King | Bjorn Baker | 11/1 |
| 17 | Future History (12) | 53.5 | Jamie Melham | Gregory Hickman | 50/1 |
| 18 | James J Braddock (24) | 53.5 | Craig Williams | Joseph O'Brien | 18/1 |
| 19 | Kizlyar (20) | 53.5 | Beau Mertens | Joseph O'Brien | 40/1 |
| 20 | Point Of Law (9) | 53 | Ethan Brown | Ciaron Maher | 15/2 |
| 21 | Strictly Business (4) | 53 | Dean Yendall | Thomas Carberry | 66/1 |
| 22 | Mr Monaco (16) | 52.5 | Jabez Johnstone (a) | Ciaron Maher | 22/1 |
| 23 | Zakouma (10) | 52 | William Pike | Grahame Begg | 26/1 |
| 24 | Shockletz (17) | 51 | Harry Coffey | Ciaron Maher | 9/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Kizlyar replaced Defiantly. (a) means apprentice.
Point Of Law Leads the Melbourne Cup 2026 Market
Point Of Law brings a story nobody else in the field can match. King Charles III bred the colt and raced him in the royal colors with John and Thady Gosden. Then in July he won the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket. After that, an Australian syndicate bought him in August and sent him to Maher.
His first Australian run came in the Geelong Cup on October 21, and he won it under Ethan Brown. Even so, that was only his fifth career start. Now he carries just 53kg (117 lb) from barrier 9, and the reference market has him at 15/2.
Trustyourinstinct and the O’Brien Team
Trustyourinstinct tops the reference market at 13/2. James McDonald rides for O’Brien, but the draw is no gift. Still, barrier 18 and 57kg (126 lb) make this a tough task.
O’Brien also saddles Sons And Lovers, James J Braddock, Goodie Two Shoes and Kizlyar. Of that group, Goodie Two Shoes has the best Cup form. She ran second in this race last year, three lengths behind Half Yours.
Juja Kibo, Shockletz and the Maher Seven
Juja Kibo arrives in the best form of any local runner. First, the Maher stayer won The Metropolitan at Randwick over 2400 meters. After that came a Moonee Valley Cup win on October 24 under Sam Clipperton.
Meanwhile, stablemate Shockletz carries the lowest weight in the race. The mare won the Archer Stakes in September to book her Cup start. However, Harry Coffey hurt his shoulder in a fall on Derby Day, so check that he keeps the ride before you bet.
Maher also runs Middle Earth, who finished third in this race last year. Mr Monaco won the Bart Cummings over this track, while Zahrann and Royal Supremacy complete the seven.
Our Melbourne Cup Tips
We side with Point Of Law. In short, a light weight, a good draw and a winning Geelong Cup run make him the most likely winner. Juja Kibo is our second pick, since that one comes off two straight wins. For value, Shockletz at 9/1 gets a big weight break with 51kg.
Our tickets are simple. First, we bet Point Of Law (20) to win and box 20, 11 and 24 in the exacta. Then we add Trustyourinstinct (2) for a four horse trifecta box. Finally, Wine Dark Sea (8) at 34/1 is our long shot for an each way play.
Melbourne Cup Day Undercard: Race by Race
The Cup is the headline, but nine more races fill the day. So below you will find every field with barriers, riders, trainers and morning line prices, plus a selection for each race.
Darley Maribyrnong Plate (Race 1)
Nine juveniles open the card over 1000 meters for A$240,000, about US$168,000. Amsterdam is the 21/10 favorite for Maher and Mark Zahra, while Royal Press sits next at 12/5. Funded, meanwhile, sits at 9/2 for the Freedman brothers with Ben Melham aboard.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Press (9) | Jye McNeil | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | 12/5 |
| 2 | Amsterdam (8) | Mark Zahra | Ciaron Maher | 21/10 |
| 3 | Jetsetter (2) | Luke Currie | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | 15/1 |
| 4 | Lumineux (6) | Craig Williams | Ben Brisbourne | 26/1 |
| 5 | Speedboatconfesion (5) | Jordan Childs | Simon Zahra | 15/1 |
| 6 | Amelia's Affair (1) | Damian Lane | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 11/2 |
| 7 | Funded (3) | Ben Melham | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 9/2 |
| 8 | La La Lilly (4) | Michael Dee | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 15/2 |
| 9 | Rain Bender (7) | Lachlan King | Ben Brisbourne | 20/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets.
Our pick: Amsterdam (2) to win, with Funded (7) the main danger.
Pin & Win Community Handicap (Race 2)
Twenty runners go 2000 meters in this A$150,000 (about US$105,000) handicap. Yauson is the 9/5 favorite for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, even though barrier 19 is wide. Chispa gets James McDonald at 11/2, while Ichnusa offers more upside at 17/2.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Military Academy (5) | Daniel Stackhouse | Jane Chapple-Hyam | 26/1 |
| 2 | Foujita San (15) | Mark Zahra | Shane Jackson | 15/1 |
| 3 | Charisse (9) | Patrick Moloney | Gerard Moloney | 50/1 |
| 4 | Flying Valley (6) | Tommy Berry | Ciaron Maher | 22/1 |
| 5 | Politely Dun (11) | Blake Shinn | Danny O'Brien | 9/1 |
| 6 | Shaiyhar (3) | Luke Nolen | Olivia Osborne | 125/1 |
| 7 | Johnich (14) | Harry Coffey | Jason Warren | 13/1 |
| 8 | Federer (7) | Ben Allen | Ciaron Maher | 17/1 |
| 10 | Chispa (2) | James McDonald | Chris Waller | 11/2 |
| 11 | Dad And Dave (1) | Jabez Johnstone | Ciaron Maher | 34/1 |
| 12 | Mr O'Reilly (8) | Logan Bates | Richard Laming | 17/1 |
| 13 | Yauson (19) | Jordan Childs | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 9/5 |
| 14 | Ichnusa (18) | Thomas Stockdale | Ciaron Maher | 17/2 |
| 15 | Interjection (10) | Jamie Mott | Simon Ryan | 70/1 |
| 16 | Dubai Watch (20) | Luke Currie | Vincent Hall | 34/1 |
| 18 | Caelius (12) | Ben Melham | Peter Gelagotis | 30/1 |
| 19 | Pariah Pearl (13) | Craig Williams | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 22/1 |
| 20 | Savatoff (4) | Dean Yendall | Paula Trenwith | 125/1 |
| 21 | Ninyo (17) | Jett Stanley | Aaron Laing | 200/1 |
| 22 | Lunar Force (16) | Jye McNeil | Robbie Griffiths | 25/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Scratched: 9 Unseen Ruler, 17 Terrortorian.
Selection: Yauson (13) on top. As a value play, Ichnusa (14) goes into our exactas.
TAB One Pool Trophy (Race 3)
This Listed race for three-year-olds runs over 1800 meters for A$200,000 (about US$140,000). At the top, Star Of Macedon leads the market at 5/2, and Waiheke Rose should be on the speed from barrier 7. Katoto gets McDonald at 5/1, though, and that is the one we want.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mister Whiskers (1) | Jett Stanley | Charlotte Littlefield | 15/2 |
| 2 | Star Of Macedon (5) | Blake Shinn | John Symons & Sheila Laxon | 5/2 |
| 4 | Gilgeous (6) | Tommy Berry | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 19/1 |
| 5 | Cab Franc (2) | Thomas Stockdale | Ciaron Maher | 20/1 |
| 6 | Katoto (9) | James McDonald | Chris Waller | 5/1 |
| 7 | Waiheke Rose (7) | Jordan Childs | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 16/5 |
| 8 | Fringilla (3) | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 4/1 |
| 9 | Tanabata (4) | Damian Lane | Chris Waller | 22/1 |
| 10 | Billycart (8) | Dean Yendall | Taige Weir | 13/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Scratched: 3 True Tone, 11 Star Je Taime.
Best of the race: Katoto (6) to win at 5/1.
The Schweppervescence Plate (Race 4)
Fourteen three-year-olds sprint 1000 meters for A$150,000. Three runners share favoritism at 5/1: Ole Go, Peyton and Fovea. Anthony and Sam Freedman also send three, with Strike Package, Semantics and Parcae.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Wigs (6) | Blake Shinn | Phillip & Tommy Stokes | 22/1 |
| 2 | The Speed Machine (8) | Thomas Stockdale | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | 11/1 |
| 3 | Ole Go (12) | James McDonald | Michael Hickmott | 5/1 |
| 4 | Peyton (14) | Zac Lloyd | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | 5/1 |
| 5 | Aston (4) | Harry Coffey | Andrew Noblet | 33/1 |
| 6 | Splendacious (11) | Damian Lane | Scott Cameron | 22/1 |
| 7 | Strike Package (3) | Mark Zahra | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 33/1 |
| 8 | Gin Twist (13) | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 11/1 |
| 9 | Jadzia (9) | Jordan Childs | Grahame Begg | 15/1 |
| 10 | Gas Station Rose (7) | Craig Williams | Alexander Rae | 33/1 |
| 11 | Semantics (1) | Ethan Brown (TBC) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 15/2 |
| 12 | Parcae (5) | Michael Dee | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 9/1 |
| 13 | Fovea (2) | Rachel King | Bjorn Baker | 5/1 |
| 15 | Sanctuary (10) | Ethan Brown (TBC) | Ciaron Maher | 10/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Scratched: 14 Southern Sway. Fields list Ethan Brown on both Semantics and Sanctuary, so check riders on race morning.
We like Ole Go (3) with McDonald. After that, Peyton (4) rates the next best.
Australian Heritage Cup (Race 5)
The A$250,000 (about US$175,000) Australian Heritage Cup goes 2800 meters, so stamina matters here too. Eighteen runners make the main field, plus four emergencies. Meanwhile, Jennivamoose leads at 5/1 for Maher and Zahra. Tempesti sits at 11/2, while Autumnheat looks the value at 7/1 with just 53kg.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newlook (14) | Tommy Berry | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 20/1 |
| 2 | Athabascan (22) | Zac Lloyd | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | 10/1 |
| 3 | Highland Bling (4) | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Phillip & Tommy Stokes | 34/1 |
| 4 | Tempesti (6) | Jamie Mott | Gavin Bedggood | 11/2 |
| 5 | Jennivamoose (11) | Mark Zahra | Ciaron Maher | 5/1 |
| 6 | Newfoundland (18) | Declan Bates | Shane Jackson | 26/1 |
| 7 | Taramansour (7) | Luke Currie | Phillip & Tommy Stokes | 50/1 |
| 8 | Zarir (8) | Beau Mertens | Julius Sandhu | 90/1 |
| 9 | Autumn Mystery (15) | Brad Rawiller | Rory Hunter | 11/1 |
| 10 | After Summer (2) | Billy Egan | Dominic Sutton | 10/1 |
| 11 | Grand Pierro (3) | Craig Williams | Jason Warren | 10/1 |
| 12 | Sam Hawkens (17) | Tim Clark | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | 30/1 |
| 13 | Vegas Jack (16) | Dean Yendall | Craig Conron | 11/1 |
| 14 | Farag (20) | Teo Nugent | Aaron Purcell | 150/1 |
| 15 | Sir Chartwell (13) | Daniel Stackhouse | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 18/1 |
| 16 | Beach Pad (10) | William Pike | Shane Jackson | 10/1 |
| 17 | Autumnheat (5) | Harry Coffey | Matt Cumani | 7/1 |
| 18 | Black Peppermint (21) | Michael Dee | Patrick Payne | 22/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Emergencies: 19 Wuddzz, 20 Leonchroi, 21 Suffolk Star, 22 Bur Dubai.
The call: Jennivamoose (5) to win and Autumnheat (17) each way.
Asahi Super Dry Plate (Race 6)
Twelve runners face the starter in this Listed handicap over 1800 meters for A$200,000. Sabaj jumps from barrier 3 as the 8/5 favorite for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. Next come St Lawrence and Darkbonee at 9/2 each.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Augustus (11) | John Allen | Ciaron Maher | 26/1 |
| 2 | Relentless Voyager (5) | Blake Shinn | Ciaron Maher | 30/1 |
| 4 | Sabaj (3) | Mark Zahra | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | 8/5 |
| 5 | St Lawrence (7) | James McDonald | Gavin Bedggood | 9/2 |
| 6 | Al Duca (2) | Damian Lane | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 17/2 |
| 7 | Wymark (10) | Jett Stanley | Gavin Bedggood | 15/1 |
| 8 | Immediacy (1) | Tommy Berry | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 26/1 |
| 9 | Ambassadorial (6) | Daniel Stackhouse | Jane Chapple-Hyam | 26/1 |
| 10 | Darkbonee (8) | Craig Williams | Symon Wilde | 9/2 |
| 11 | Magnaspin (12) | Declan Bates | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 26/1 |
| 13 | New York Hurricane (4) | Alana Kelly | Liam Howley | 80/1 |
| 14 | Different Gravy (9) | TBC | Henry Dwyer | 25/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Scratched: 3 Tavi Time, 12 Real Class. Rider for Different Gravy to come.
Sabaj (4) is our best bet of the day. So back him to win, with St Lawrence (5) second in the exacta.
Crown Amanda Elliott (Race 8)
Twelve three-year-olds run 1400 meters for A$200,000 straight after the Cup. Three scratchings hit this race, including Autumn Lover. As a result, Ranarsson is the short favorite at 6/5 for the Hayes stable. By contrast, Mr Natural offers more at 4/1 from barrier 2 with Damian Lane.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milsons Point (3) | Ben Allen | Ciaron Maher | 22/1 |
| 2 | Barracks (11) | Ethan Brown | Ciaron Maher | 6/1 |
| 3 | Our Emperor (8) | Tim Clark | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 11/1 |
| 5 | Ranarsson (6) | Ben Melham | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 6/5 |
| 7 | Tolaga Bay (12) | Craig Williams | Mark Walker | 25/1 |
| 8 | Shooting Brake (7) | Billy Egan | Dominic Sutton | 18/1 |
| 9 | Harry Lime (5) | Rachel King | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 10/1 |
| 10 | Obambulate (10) | Tommy Berry | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 70/1 |
| 12 | Merry Chase (9) | Beau Mertens | Clinton McDonald | 12/1 |
| 13 | Mr Natural (2) | Damian Lane | Lindsey Smith | 4/1 |
| 14 | The Thorncaster (1) | Zac Lloyd | Ciaron Maher | 30/1 |
| 15 | Boy From Zadar (4) | Craig Newitt | Paul Koumis | 125/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Scratched: 4 Beautiful You, 6 High Falls, 11 Autumn Lover.
Top pick: Ranarsson (5) to win. Then box him with Mr Natural (13) in the exacta.
Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (Race 9)
Seventeen mares contest this Group 3 over 1400 meters for A$240,000. Shadhavar heads the market at 13/5 for Tom Dabernig and Craig Williams. So You Pence and Terilee both sit at 5/1. Further out, Miss Freelove at 17/1 appeals despite a wide draw.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stylish (5) | Ethan Brown | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 14/1 |
| 2 | Shadhavar (2) | Craig Williams | Tom Dabernig | 13/5 |
| 3 | Oh Too Good (3) | Damian Lane | Kevin Daffy | 30/1 |
| 4 | Dance To The Boom (7) | Rachel King | Bjorn Baker | 8/1 |
| 5 | Miss Freelove (13) | Blake Shinn | Peter Snowden | 17/1 |
| 6 | Ruska Roma (15) | Jordan Childs | Grahame Begg | 30/1 |
| 7 | So You Pence (4) | Tommy Berry | Matthew Dale | 5/1 |
| 8 | Terilee (9) | William Pike | Michael Kent | 5/1 |
| 9 | Betwitchery (16) | Luke Currie | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 60/1 |
| 10 | Bon Mistress (1) | Jett Stanley | Ken & Kasey Keys | 100/1 |
| 11 | Gold Medallist (17) | Luke Nolen | Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | 9/1 |
| 12 | Butternut Princess (11) | Ben Melham | Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | 13/1 |
| 13 | Stealth Of Night (10) | Zac Lloyd | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 17/1 |
| 14 | Milos Filos (14) | Alana Kelly | Liam Howley | 33/1 |
| 15 | Tomato Toastie (12) | Tim Clark | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 25/1 |
| 17 | Cooly (6) | James McDonald | Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | 80/1 |
| 18 | Karren (8) | Jamie Melham | Lloyd Kennewell | 13/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Scratched: 16 You Sexy Thing.
Shadhavar (2) gets our vote, and Miss Freelove (5) is the each way play.
Channel 9 Trophy (Race 10)
Thirteen runners close the card over 1400 meters for A$150,000. Once again, Patrick Payne’s Buccleuch tops the weights and the market at 14/5. Everain gets in light with 54kg at 11/2, so that one rates the main danger.
| No. | Horse (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buccleuch (4) | Billy Egan | Patrick Payne | 14/5 |
| 2 | Keep Your Cool (8) | Ben Melham | Ciaron Maher | 16/1 |
| 3 | Porter (7) | Blake Shinn | Danny O'Brien | 17/2 |
| 4 | Space Rider (3) | Mark Zahra | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | 7/1 |
| 6 | He'll Rip (9) | Ben Allen | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 18/1 |
| 7 | Jett Smash (12) | Damian Lane | Danny O'Brien | 6/1 |
| 8 | Cash (1) | Ethan Brown | Michael Hickmott | 19/1 |
| 9 | Ferivia (5) | Jamie Melham | Phillip & Tommy Stokes | 34/1 |
| 11 | Quiseen (2) | Craig Williams | Archie Alexander | 26/1 |
| 12 | Everain (11) | Zac Lloyd | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 11/2 |
| 13 | No Fuss (10) | John Allen | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | 17/1 |
| 14 | Fundamental Nature (13) | William Pike | Ciaron Maher | 17/2 |
| 15 | Itazura (6) | Luke Nolen | Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | 19/1 |
Barrier in brackets. Odds are HKJC reference prices from Monday, November 2, and pari-mutuel dividends settle all bets. Scratched: 5 Surf's Up, 10 Man Of Worth.
To finish the night, we take Buccleuch (1) to win and Everain (12) as the saver.
Best Bets for Melbourne Cup Day 2026
Our strongest play is Sabaj in Race 6, since he drew barrier 3 and leads a market where nothing else is shorter than 9/2. Next comes Point Of Law in the Cup. After that, Katoto in Race 3 and Ranarsson in Race 8 round out the shortlist.
Of course, the prices in this preview are guides. Pari-mutuel pools settle every MyWinners bet, so the final dividend can land above or below the morning line. For more previews like this one, head to the MyWinners racing blog.
Bet the Melbourne Cup on MyWinners
That wraps up our Melbourne Cup 2026 preview, so now it is over to you. The Cup jumps at 11:00pm ET tonight, with Maribyrnong Plate action from 6:45pm ET, so you have the whole evening to build your tickets.
Bet online at app.mywinners.com, on the MyWinners: Racing & Sports app on iOS or Android, or go here to find your nearest MyWinners or Winners venue in CT.
